Both performance wise and option wise are equal to me right now, don't argue about that. The Contour is $7500 obo, and the Nissan is $8100.
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The one thing I'm wondering, is which one will last me longer and I'll have more fun with?

I know the Contour SVT is probably a tad faster, but it's high maintanence. I'm wondering if I'll run into the same problems with the Sentra Spec V?

I have a contour SE, which basicly has the same drivetrain as the SVT. You are right; contours are not very reliable and are high maintance. I had to swap tranny's after I blew the diff. The shop manual quotes 30 hours to change trannys. It is FAST, much faster than anyone would think they are before they ride in one.